Puerto Rico to host 1st international cannabis conference

The conference is aimed at investors, entrepreneurs and other professionals interested in entering the new medical cannabis industry. (Credit: J. Patrick Bedell/Wikipedia)

Puerto Rico will host its first official international cannabis conference on June 28-29, becoming only the fourth jurisdiction in Latin America to enter into the cannabis trade. The event will take place at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Isla Verde.

The $3 billion per year medical cannabis industry in the United States could provide the economic stimulus and job growth that Puerto Rico’s citizens are looking for in 2016 and beyond, organizers said.

“It’s the first time that an event with the scope offered by the Puerto Rico MedCann.Biz is celebrated in the island. Conference participants will gain valuable information on many aspects of the medical cannabis industry such as global practices, opportunities for real estate, technology, research, laws and regulations of medical marijuana, among other issues,” said Ingrid Schmidt, senior consultant for Medcannbiz consulting firm, also hosting the event.

The conference is aimed at investors, entrepreneurs and other professionals interested in entering the new medical cannabis industry and health professionals who wish to learn more about the medicinal properties and benefits of cannabis-based treatments, she said.

MedCann.Biz organizers expect a large attendance of people of both Puerto Rico and other U.S. jurisdictions and the Caribbean.

At MedCann.Biz, the multi-disciplinary approach to the cannabis industry will give Puerto Ricans a first-look at the art and science of growing, manufacturing, and dispensing cannabis. Those who are seeking understanding of how they can participate in this exciting industry should attend the legal and regulatory discussions hosted by Mayra Maldonado, lead counsel for the Puerto Rico Department of Health and Lucy Crespo CEO of the Puerto Rico Science, Technology and Research Trust. Also, Congressman Ruben Gallego will be speaking of his experience in introducing a bill in Arizona to legalize marijuana.

The event also provides career seekers a networking opportunity with other attendees and find the investors seeking to open businesses in Puerto Rico. Prospective entrepreneurial start-ups seeking capital investment will want to meet the financiers of this new industry and those in professional services, doctors, lawyers, insurance agents, accountants, and bankers will want to learn where they fit in.

MedCann.Biz will feature experts in intellectual, property and health laws, as well as panels for medical and tourism professionals.